Author Archives: Dave Berkus

Organize globally.

Posted on May 31, 2012 by Dave Berkus

Even the smallest business can now reach throughout the globe to find resources for design, development, support and consultation.  There are people and companies everywhere willing to work by the hour, providing great skill sets as needed, able to be … Continue reading →

Posted in Growth!, Positioning | Leave a comment

Really do think outside the box.

Posted on May 24, 2012 by Dave Berkus

Creative entrepreneurs find niches for their business that are not full of competitors fighting over the last dollar of margin, or niches that are mature and shrinking in size.  They search for areas unexplored, or those covered by companies with … Continue reading →

Posted in Finding your ideal niche | 3 Comments

Protect and grow your core competency.

Posted on May 17, 2012 by Dave Berkus

It is a rule that early stage managers should find, protect and grow the core business, finding resources wherever possible to service that core in the form of variable expense, to be added to or shed at will as the … Continue reading →

Posted in Finding your ideal niche, Growth!, Positioning, Protecting the business | Leave a comment

Find your core competency.

Posted on May 10, 2012 by Dave Berkus

Consider your core.  It is the one skill, process or advantage you have over your competition.  Then think of all the things you do to surround that core with people and assets that complete the company and allow you to … Continue reading →

Posted in Finding your ideal niche, Positioning | Leave a comment

The four “P’s” of Building a Great Business.

Posted on May 2, 2012 by Dave Berkus

Some of us remember things better when given a catchy phrase or rhyme.  Here’s one to help you with squeezing the most out of your available resources.  It reflects the new reality in our business world, one with little room … Continue reading →

Posted in Finding your ideal niche, Growth! | 6 Comments

The last money has the first say.

Posted on April 28, 2012 by Dave Berkus

This important variation on “money talks” is an important consideration for entrepreneurs when seeking an investment from professionals such as VC’s.   Something like a marriage (and often lasting just as long statistically), your investment partner can be a great cheerleader, … Continue reading →

Posted in Growth!, Raising money | Leave a comment

Be careful how you define your competition.

Posted on April 19, 2012 by Dave Berkus

Professional investors laugh when they hear an entrepreneur state, “We have no competition.”  That statement has killed more investment deals than almost any other.  It is a failed litmus test for the entrepreneur, even if the plan is for a … Continue reading →

Posted in Finding your ideal niche, Positioning | 2 Comments

How much information do you give to investors?

Posted on April 14, 2012 by Dave Berkus

There is a natural fear of giving too much information to investors after the initial investment is received.  CEO’s worry that investors will not keep the information confidential and that financial data will find its way into competitors’ hands.  Others … Continue reading →

Posted in Protecting the business, Raising money | 2 Comments

Think ahead, if you will need more money later.

Posted on April 6, 2012 by Dave Berkus

Some businesses just can’t fit within the angel capital or friends and family model for raising funds.  Sooner or later these businesses will have to seek venture capital and accommodate the needs of the venture community in negotiating the terms … Continue reading →

Posted in Protecting the business, Raising money | Leave a comment

Entrepreneurs: The Funding Landscape Has Changed.

Posted on March 30, 2012 by Dave Berkus

Guest post by Sara Mackey Dave’s Note:  This is the first time we’ve had a guest author on the BERKONOMICS site.  Sara focuses upon another side of small business financing not typically considered in the angel and venture world, financing from … Continue reading →

Posted in Raising money | 3 Comments